What should I do if I chip a tooth?

Rinse gently with warm water, control any bleeding with gauze, use a cold compress for swelling, save the broken piece in milk or saliva if you can, avoid chewing on that side, and call your dentist to be seen.

How is a chipped tooth repaired?

Small chips are often fixed with tooth-colored bonding in one visit. Larger breaks may need a crown, and deep cracks that reach the nerve may need a root canal followed by a crown.

Can you see me same-day in Trussville?

Often, yes. Call Toups Family Dentistry at (205) 655-7061 and if we can see you same-day, we will.

Chipped or Cracked a Tooth? Here's Exactly What to Do

Oct 14

Written By Andrew Rape

It happens in a second, a popcorn kernel, a fall, a bite of something harder than it looked. The good news is that a chipped tooth is one of the most fixable things we see. Here is what to do right now, and how we make it look like it never happened.

First, here is what to do right now

Stay calm and take these steps in the first few minutes:

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area
If there is bleeding, press a clean piece of gauze on it for about ten minutes
Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to ease swelling
If you can find the broken piece, keep it in a little milk or saliva and bring it with you
Avoid chewing on that side, and steer clear of very hot or cold foods

Then call us at (205) 655-7061 so we can get you seen.

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency?

Sometimes. A small chip with no pain can usually wait a day or two, but you should be seen soon so it does not worsen. Call right away if the tooth is badly broken, you are in significant pain, the tooth is loose, or there is heavy bleeding. When in doubt, call and we will help you decide. For severe facial swelling or trouble breathing, go to the ER first.

How we fix a chipped or cracked tooth

The repair depends on how much of the tooth is affected, and we will always choose the most conservative option that lasts:

Small chips and cosmetic flaws. Cosmetic bonding rebuilds the tooth with tooth-colored resin, often in a single visit and usually without any drilling.
Larger breaks. A crown caps the tooth and restores full strength when a filling or bonding is not enough to hold it together.
Deep cracks that reach the nerve. These may need root canal therapy first, then a crown to protect the tooth.

Whatever the fix, we match the color and shape to your other teeth so the repair blends in. You can see everything we offer on our restorative and cosmetic pages.

How to avoid it next time

A few simple habits go a long way: skip chewing ice and hard candy, do not use your teeth to open packages, and if you grind your teeth or play sports, ask us about a custom night guard or mouthguard. If grinding is the culprit, our TMJ care can help protect your teeth from the wear that leads to cracks.

When to call Toups Family Dentistry

If you chipped or cracked a tooth in Trussville, do not wait and hope it holds. Call us and if we can see you same-day, we will. New patients can fill out forms online ahead of time so your visit starts on time.

Toups Family Dentistry is a doctor-owned family practice at 4917 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville, AL 35173. Dr. Margaret Toups is accepting new patients, with same-day openings for urgent needs.

Make an Appointment→

Andrew Rape